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Raynes Park Cluster Year 5/6 Girls Football

November 15th, 2017

On a cold and blustery Tuesday 14th November 2017 the Raynes Park Cluster Girls Y5/6 Football Competition took place at Raynes Park High School. It was fantastic to see that all 11 Raynes Park Cluster schools were represented at the tournament, with Poplar bringing two teams, making a total of 12 sides, which were then split into two groups of 6.

In Group 1, Poplar A gave a virtuoso performance to beat their B team by five goals to nil. Two of these efforts came from wonderful strikes way outside the area. Going straight into the roof of the net. Poplar b to their credit regrouped well and earned a hard fought draw against Hollymount with the final score being 1-1. Although this was Hollymounts only goal of the group stages, they recorded a number of impressive draws where their side’s water tight defence defied any goal bound attack. This was a very similar case for Joseph Hood whose best performance was arguably against Poplar B. Through some well-coordinated team play, the girls were able to move the ball up field and get a last minute winner to win this game 1-0. Hatfield were also tough competitors in the group with a well organised defence. Their 0-0 draw against a high flying West Wimbledon Side was a superb achievement, considering the West Wimbledon girls were scoring on average two goals a game. West Wimbledon’s best performance was against Hollymount, where they scored three high class goals to win this game 3-0

Group 1. Final Standings

Poplar A

West Wimbledon

Hatfeild

Joseph Hood

Hollymount

Poplar B

In Group 2, the football on display from the girls was equally as impressive. Merton Park were the epitome of consistency as they won three out of five games 1-0. These goals however were of the highest quality. St Matthew’s equally played some great football, with their best result coming against Hillcross, winning this game 2-0. Hillcross, although unable to score a goal during the group matches, did not give up and gave their all throughout the tournament. Sacred Heart displayed some superb counter attacking football at times to score some well worked goals. Their 1-1 draw against Aragon however was very impressive due to the tireless effort of their defence and keeper to keep the ball out from the back of the net. Aragon were similar to Sacred Heart in their tenacity and this effort was rewarded with a well-deserved 3-0 win against Hillcross. St John Fisher were this groups standout performers winning four of their five matches. The goals scored in these winning performances were a combination of great team interplay as well as a few solo screamers.

Group 2. Final Standings

St John Fisher

Merton Park

Aragon

Sacred Heart

Hillcross

After the group stages had concluded, and the four teams going on to represent the Raynes Park Borough had been calculated (St John Fisher, Merton Park, Poplar A and West Wimbledon) it was then time to play the last remaining fixtures to see who would be crowned this year’s girls Football Cluster Champions.

11th place was secured by Hillcross winning this game 1-0. 9th place was awarded to sacred heart after their 1-0 victory over Hollymount. 7th place was won by Joseph Hood who scored a last minute winner to beat St Matthew’s 1-0. 5th Place was awarded to Hatfeild after they managed to score a late winner to beat Aragon 1-0. The battle for 3rd and 1st place both came down to the wire with both matches requiring a period of extra time. West Wimbledon managed to score a winner deep into the two minutes of extra time to claim 3rd place. Poplar and St John Fisher were still at a 0-0 deadlock after the 2 minutes of extra time so the dreaded penalty shootout was required to separate the equally impressive teams. It was Poplar A, who came out on top to deliver the devastating blow and score the decisive penalty to win the match, St John Fisher however must be given huge credit for their display throughout the tournament and their attitude at the end of the penalty shootout despite their clear disappointment.

Our Refspect winners for this tournament were the girls from Hatfeild, who demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and a positive attitude throughout the tournament. Well done girls!

A special mention must be given to the Fulham FC boys who officiated the day superbly, as well as a big thank you to Raynes Park High School for the use of their fantastic facilities.